THE YOUNG and not so young can explore a winter wonderland of frozen fun at Liverpool ONE this Christmas.
Yes, the Ice Festival is back - adding a sprinkling of festive magic to what is already one of the most exciting shopping and leisure destinations in Europe.
Liverpool ONE’s thrills will spill forth this Thursday, November 7, with the opening of the Ice Bar, a skating rink, fairground rides and all the big hits from last year in place.
But the party really gets under way this Friday evening (November 8) when a spectacular lantern parade will weave its way through the streets of Liverpool ONE and beyond.
The event will see thousands gather to celebrate the official Christmas light switch-on in the city centre - complete with pantomime stars from around the region casting magical festive spells from the rooftops of Paradise Street.
If that wasn't enough, Dancing on Ice stars Samia and Slyvian will take to the ice rink the same evening in Chavasse Park.
Once more, the Ice Bar is central to the Ice Festival. It's the largest pop-up, real ice bar in Britain, serving drinks in specially designed ice glasses, all expertly conjuring up the spirit of winter glamour.
If you didn't experience it last year, this is an extraordinary space, featuring a room made of crystal clear sculpture ice. It will be a focal point of the festivities and this year’s ‘mountain lodge’ style lounge café and bar will offer the perfect space to chill out.
Ice and easy does itIn addition to the ice rink, for the first time there will also be a smaller rink specially designed for children. This will give kids the chance to get on the ice for the first time in a safe, fun environment where they can learn to glide with the help of penguin skate aids.
Little ones will also enjoy the children’s area featuring a host of festive activities such as face painting, Christmas craft workshops, small rides and children’s entertainment.
There will also be festival weekends, with performances from street entertainers and artists creating traditional Christmas sculptures in live ice carving displays in the centre of Chavasse Park.
*Save the date! Santa will arrive in style to Liverpool ONE on Sunday November 24, marking the launch of Santa’s Grotto which will welcome thousands of children from the region to make their special wish to the man himself.
Donna Howitt, Marketing Director for Liverpool ONE, said: “We are all so excited to get our festive activities under way and we look forward to welcoming families to enjoy all of the elements of the Ice Festival throughout the Christmas period.”
*For a full list of what's on and when during the Ice Festival visit here.
Night and day, you are the ONE
Liverpool ONE has everything you need to bring Christmas 2013 to life a 42 acre shoppers' paradise at the heart of one of the most vibrant UK cities.
Liverpool ONE is one of Europe’s leading retail and leisure destinations. Built around the existing streets of Liverpool, the 1.65million sq ft contemporary open-air complex is a stylish must-see destination for those who love to shop, eat, drink and relax.
Start your day by shopping in your favourite boutiques from Ted Baker, Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar,Kooples, Doc Martens, Tessuti, All Saints, Flannels, Whistles or Zara.
Take a break on the restaurant terrace where you can sit back and take in sweeping Mersey waterfront views at the likes of Pizza Express, Yee Rah, Gourmet Burger Kitchen or Buffet Star.
You will need a rest. Liverpool ONE includes over 160 stores, bars and restaurants, a fantastic 14 screen cinema, an indoor adventure golf course and a five-acre Green Flag park. Other crowd-pullers include the biggest Topshop outisde London, and purpose built John Lewis and Debenhams stores.
Why not finish your day with dinner meal? Book a table in one of the many restaurants open until late, from Browns and Byron Burger, Chaophraya and the multi-award winning Lunya.
There are plenty of places to get a refreshing glass of something, such as the Bierkeller, recently named the city's favourite bar of the year, tavern on The Green and cocktails at the Palm Sugar Lounge. And of course, from now until new year, that fabulous Ice Bar!
*For more info and exclusive offers visit the Liverpool ONE website here
(Sponsored feature)
